The airport was put on alert mode as the Air India Express flight circled in the air for over two hours to burn off fuel
world3 days ago
Italian police said on Saturday they had freed 33 Indian farm labourers from slave-like working conditions in the northern Verona province and seized almost half a million euros ($545,300) from their two alleged abusers.
Labour exploitation is in the spotlight in Italy following an accident in June in which an Indian fruit picker died after his arm was severed by machinery.
In the latest case, police said the alleged gang-masters, also from India, brought fellow nationals to Italy on seasonal work permits, asking them to pay 17,000 euros each and promising them a better future.
The migrants were given farm jobs, working seven days a week and 10-12 hours a day for just 4 euros per hour, which was entirely docked from them until they settled all their debts, police said, describing the migrants' treatment as "slavery".
Some were asked to continue working for free to pay an additional 13,000 euros for a permanent work permit "which, in reality, would have never been given to them," the police statement said.
The alleged abusers were charged with crimes connected to slavery and labour exploitation, while the victims will be offered protection, work opportunities and legal residency papers, the police said.
Like other European nations, Italy has growing labour shortages often filled via immigration, particularly in lower paid jobs, and has a migrant work visa system that has faced cases of fraud.
The country also has a problem with labour law violations. According to 2021 data from national statistics office Istat, about 11% of Italian workers were employed illegally, rising to more than 23% in agriculture.
The airport was put on alert mode as the Air India Express flight circled in the air for over two hours to burn off fuel
world3 days ago
The country's foreign ministry said that all sides in the conflict had an obligation to protect peacekeepers.
world3 days ago
The anti-nuclear group was recognised for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons
world3 days ago
As part of attempts to avoid being caught in the crossfire, Gulf states have refused to let Israel fly over their airspace for any attack on Iran
world4 days ago
She died from complications related to a stroke suffered last week
world4 days ago
It was one of the first engagements Kate has carried out since she began to slowly return to work after ending her course of preventative chemotherapy for cancer
world4 days ago
Ten of 12 US chartered flights from Beirut have arrived in Istanbul carrying 1,025 citizens and immediate family members since October 2
world4 days ago
Ukrainian President is seeking a military and financial boost during a 48-hour trip to London, Paris, Rome and Berlin
world4 days ago